The road was closed for more than three hours

This was the scene in Manor Park earlier today as firefighters tackled a blaze which left a community studio building seriously damaged.

Firefighters tackle a roof fire at Church Road Studios in Manor Park

Around 40 firefighters battled the blaze at Church Road Studios from about 10am.

The road was closed to motorists for almost four hours while 10 fire engines, including crews from East Ham, Stratford and Plaistow, were scrambled to the scene.

The incident was brought under control at around 1.50pm. Flames damaged part of the building’s roof and second floor.

Nobody was reported injured.

Firefighters tackled the blaze at Church Road Studios in Manor Park

Witnesses said the firefighters faced problems entering the building as the entrances were locked. Church Road Studios is used for a range of community events, including a mother and toddler group and an arts class.

Satpal Kaur, who works in the nearby Church Road Pharmacy, said: “I was actually doing some dispensing at the time but I heard all fire engines come down and then the road was closed.

“I heard there were some people inside the building when the call was made and that it was hard for (the firefighters) to get in because the gates were closed.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.